Pearce Leads Teague In GOP Survey
| Ex-Rep. Steve Pearce (R) has raised tons of cash, and is one of the first challengers to appear on the NRCC’s “Young Guns” list. Now, he has the polling data to prove that he’s got Rep. Harry Teague (D) on the ropes. A new survey, taken for Pearce’s camp, shows him with a slight lead over Teague in this expansive southern NM district.
The Tarrance Group (R) poll, surveyed 401 likely voters between 2/16-18 for a margin of error of +/- 4.9%. Pearce and Teague were tested. General Election Matchup Generic Ballot Matchup The good news for Teague is that he outperforms the Dem generic ballot, meaning that some voters who are turned off by the Dem brand still feel some connection to the hard-working incumbent. The bad news is that he’s still way below 50%, and the rest of those votes will be hard to make up. To many in this oil-and-gas powered CD, their first introduction to Rep. Teague was his vote to support the cap-and-trade legislation last year, something that didn’t go down well with many voters. By registration, this is a Dem-leaning CD, but on the WH level, it generally votes GOP (AZ Sen. John McCain eked out a 50-49% win there in ’08; George W. Bush took 58% in ’04). Pearce held this seat from ’02-’08, when he decided to make an ill-fated run for SEN. During those three cycles, he held a lock on the seat, never winning with less than 56%. Pearce is a strong challenger, and this race is sure to be one of the top pickup opportunities for GOPers this cycle. |